Polymyositis in Association With Melanoma

To the Editor.— Melanoma (MM) in association with polymyositis (PM) has been documented in just one previous case report, 1 while dermatomyositis (DM) has been reported relatively more frequently. 2-4 We describe the only case of PM associated with MM in the series of 8400 patients of the Sydney (Australia) Melanoma Unit. Report of a Case.— In early 1982, a 58-year-old man noted onset of shoulder pain followed by general weakness, and in February 1983, his creatine phosphokinase concentration rose to 1700 U/L. Electromyograms showed myopathic changes and analysis of a left deltoid muscle biopsy specimen confirmed diagnosis of PM (Figure). His disease was well controlled by oral prednisone 50 mg/d until he experienced a temporary exacerbation several months later due to a retained renal stone. Subsequent to nephrolithotomy, the creatine phosphokinase level and muscle strength returned to normal. He remained well until August 1984 when his creatine phosphokinase level